Page 60 - Centena Group PR Report - January 2025

Robotics competition ‘FIRST LEGO League’ Challenge round hosted by ATLAB kicks off in UAE tomorrow
The competition in its 9th year in the UAE, continues to inspire the nation’s young minds, encouraging them to
explore diverse facets of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through interactive and
hands-on learning experiences, enhancing students’ innovation, leadership, self-confidence, and
communication capabilities.

FIRST® LEGO® League, a global robotics program for children between the ages of 4 and 16 is divided into three
specific categories. The ‘Discover’ category for those between the ages of 4 - 6 is designed to inspire early
interest in STEM through playful, team-based challenges; the ‘Explore’ category for those aged 6-10 strives to
impart critical thinking, coding and design skills through STEM-based tasks; and the ‘Challenge’ category for

students aged 9 to 16, enables participants to solve real-world problems using robotics and advanced STEM
applications. Regional rounds of the ‘Explore’ category for Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi have successfully
concluded.

Nilesh Korgaonkar, CEO of ATLAB said: “FIRST® LEGO® League inspires students to think critically, collaborate
effectively, and explore their creative potential. The competition was created to empower the next generation

with the skills necessary for future success in STEM fields while equipping them with essential 21st-century
skills. By participating in FLL, students gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge educational tools that foster
problem-solving and leadership skills. To make this experience more accessible, we offer official FLL and LEGO

Education kits designed specifically for this competition which are available on our eCommerce website
atlabshoponline.com.”

The winners of FIRST® LEGO® League UAE will proudly represent the nation at prestigious international festivals
in the USA, Australia, Norway, and various European countries. Notably, in the 2023-24 season, the FLL UAE
team earned the ‘Best Robot Performance Award’ on the global stage, winning against top teams from around

the world.

The event aligns with the ‘UAE Centennial 2071’ plan, ‘Vision 2021’, and the ‘National Innovation Strategy’
aimed at enhancing future-ready skills, as well as the goals of the ‘UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031’ and
the ‘UAE Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy’. Moreover, the UAE remains committed to elevating its

educational landscape, by implementing key strategies focused on driving qualitative improvements in the
educational system and enhancing student-teacher interactions. These include trailblazing initiatives such as
smart learning programs, revised curricula with a focus on imparting math and science education in English,
new teacher licensing and evaluation systems, as well as updated codes of conduct.

The FIRST® LEGO® League Challenge, in line with these initiatives and Centena Group’s vision, aims to equip

students with essential STEM skills through practical, mentor-based programs, while promoting the integration
of robotics, AI, and EdTech in K-12 education in the UAE.

-Ends-

About ATLAB

ATLAB, Centena Group’s educational solutions division is a pivotal force in shaping the future of K-12, higher

education, and vocational training in the region. ATLAB aims to foster a brighter future and stronger community
with an approach that revolves around providing comprehensive, hands-on, and enjoyable experimental
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